Hidilyn donates equipment to LGUs

MANILA, Philippines — After donating weightlifting equipment to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo has completed another mission in her bid to give back to the sport.

Diaz-Naranjo and husband/coach Julius Naranjo made donations to different local government units (LGUs) in hopes of starting a weightlifting program at the grassroots level in key cities in Metro Manila.

The 31-year-old Olympic champion and the rest of #TeamHD donated weightlifting equipment – platforms, weights and bars – to the Manila Weightlifting Club in Tondo, Borromeo Weightlifting Club in Taguig City, and the Dasmariñas Weightlifting Club in Dasmariñas City.

The donations to the three LGUs in Metro Manila is part of Phase 2 under Diaz’ mission to give back. Phase 1 was during the donations made late last month to the men and women of the AFP. Weightlifting equipment were given to the Army, Navy and Air Force.

“Malaking bagay ito kasi itong tatlong weightlifting clubs ay bago,” said Diaz-Naranjo.

“We hope we can give more to the Luzon weightlifting clubs para sana magkaroon na din ng laro para mag-expand pa lalo yung awareness sa weightlifting,” she added.

Diaz-Naranjo cited the support from SpartPH, which provided help for the purchase of several more equipment.

Mazada Philippines allowed the use of its BT-50 truck while Atoy Customs 4x4 Body Kits helped in customizing the vehicle to fit the deliveries of these heavy weightlifting equipment in Manila, Taguig and Dasmarinas.

More than anything, Diaz-Naranjo said it’s the joy that she saw from the young, potential athletes that they met during the distribution.

“Sobrang saya ko na makita ang mga bata na nag-enjoy sa weightlifting na sana matuto. I hope na mabigyan sila ng direction sa buhay through sports, sana maging world champion at gold medalist sila, at makapag-aral, mabigyan ng oportunidad,” said Diaz-Naranjo.

“Sana mas marami pang bata ang matuto mag-weightlifting at sana magkaroon talaga ng laro sa Luzon,” she said, adding that she met Sen. Pia Cayetano in Taguig City and asked for support to provide weightlifting equipment for adults since there are lifters already in the area.